Kemp Jr.’s long journey to Washington

Despite being born in Seattle, Shawn Kemp Jr.’s journey to Washington was full of twists and turns.

Shawn Kemp Jr.

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports chronicled the ordeal of the son of one of the most popular Sonics of all time. Kemp Jr.’s plan wasn’t to play in the town where his father became famous, but things don’t always go as planned.

Originally headed to Alabama and then to Auburn because of his desire to attend school close to his Georgia home, Kemp had to alter his plans when he failed to qualify academically for either school. The 6-foot-9 forward took a year off from basketball and worked diligently to pass his remaining coursework online, eventually accepting a late scholarship offer from Washington last month that will enable him to play in the city where his dad once starred.

Along the way, Kemp endured taunts from high school crowds about his father’s notorious tally of seven children by six women.

“Shoulda worn a condom,” was a chant at one game.

Kemp initially tried to distance himself from basketball as a child, but he inherited many of the gifts that made the Reign Man such a force for the Sonics. Basketball is in the genes.

He inherited his dad’s familiar gait and facial features. He inherited his dad’s explosive leaping ability and penchant for dunking. He inherited his dad’s knack for running the floor and soft touch around the rim. And as if that’s not enough, he has a tattoo of a basketball with “S.K.” and “40″ inside on his right shoulder.

Kemp Sr. has gradually taken on a bigger role in his son’s life, working with him on his game and helping him get his priorities in order.

From advising Kemp Jr. to focus on his schoolwork, to teaching him to improve his footwork on the low block, to running stadium steps or mountain trails with him, the elder Kemp has been a positive influence since his son’s return to Seattle. Now Kemp Jr. hopes to make his father proud by having immediate success at Washington on the court and in the classroom.